Formerly a paddy field, this Malaysian garden in Janda Baik is now a tranquil oasis

In an effort to preserve their family history, this 100-year-old traditional house built by Omar Ariff’s great-grandfather was moved to Sentosa Janda Baik in 2006. Photos: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias

The garden at Sentosa Janda Baik doesn’t look designed. In fact, it’s exuberant, free-flowering, and somewhat a bit unrestrained. The plants cascade over paths and weave through one another while the soothing murmurings of birds and insects fill the air.

This adds to its rustic charm. And self-seeding plants tend to pop up in unexpected places.